Neri headed to Wagner

Christian Brothers Academy wide receiver Nico Neri has signed his national letter of intent to play his collegiate football at Wagner College.

Neri, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound senior, selected Wagner over Marist, Iona, Stonehill, St. John Fisher and Ithaca.

The senior marketed himself to the colleges and made official visits to Wagner, Marist, Iona and Stonehill.

He said the decision to select Wagner was an easy one to make.

“I really felt comfortable when I talked to the coaches,” Neri said. “The educational opportunities there are tremendous. You can get internships during your junior and senior years to some of the biggest companies in the world.”

Neri said the relationship he developed with wide receivers coach Andre Fontenette really made him at ease with his decision.

“Sometimes the coach-player thing can be awkward. We just talked very easily,” Neri said.

Neri did a great deal of training with Mike Grasso and Joe O’Hagan in a program Competitive Edge — geared to help athletes handle the rigors of college and pro athletics.

“Mike and Joe really helped. I got my 40-yard dash time down to 4.43. I owe that all to Mike,” Neri said. “They are going to help me get ready for my freshman year at Wagner.”

The Brothers finished 3-6 in 2007. Neri, who lives in Ravena, hauled in 15 passes for 400 yards and two touchdowns.

Neri will enter Wagner as an undeclared major. The senior said he is leaning toward Business Marketing, but wants to keep his options open as he gets acclimated to Wagner.

The Seahawks finished 7-4 overall and 3-3 in the Northeast Conference in 2007.

Playing against the University at Albany is something Neri is looking forward to. Among the new recruits coming in for UAlbany include Guilderland’s Andrew Smith and Paul Booker, Shenendehowa’s Justin Anderson, Catholic Central’s Chris Bouchard and Chatham’s Sean Kenny.

“I’m friends with Drew and Booker. I’m excited about playing against them again,” Neri said.